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PREGNANCY MASSAGE

These simple touch massage movements can help to relieve many of the stresses and discomforts of pregnancy, and the back massage is particularly welcome during labour. The basic essential oil massage is modified in various ways to take account of the pregnant condition.

* check the previous post to find which oils are suitable and which are to be avoided.
* Use a lower concentration of essential oil to base oil, 1/2 - 1 percent is ideal.
* Keep strokes lighter than usual.
* In addition to steps suggested, you can incorporate a facial and gentle breast massage.
* It is particularly important to observe the rest period after the massage and to help your partner get up gently.
* The positions you work in need to be adapted for pregnant woman, as she cannot lie out straight on her front or back and needs to be well supported.

THE BACK

After about the fourth month of pregnancy it becomes uncomfortable to lie on the stomach, so work with your partner sitting up with a towel - wrapped pillow or back of a chair to lean over for support.

1 : Make sure your partner is comfortable and place your left hand over the forehead and the palm of your right hand across the back of the neck. Hold for a few moments and then release.

2 : Apply a little oil to your fingers and using a slight but gentle pressure, softly massage each side of your partner's neck and shoulders, kneading mainly with the thumbs. This will help to relieve the tension often caused by the weight of enlarged breasts.

3 : Stroke the oil evenly over the back and begin an effleurage movement (a soothing, stroking motion with two hands, moving up the sides of the spine and out over the shoulders). Repeat several times to establish a rhythm and relax your partner.

4 : Using the thumbs, work upward on each side of the spinal column from the lower back to the neck to help release congestion along the spinal nerves. Repeat four times. Clear the movement by sweeping up the back using the calming effleurage stroke.

5 : Starting from the center of the back, begin working up and outward across the width of the back with superficial effleurage movements. Repeat the movements several times until your partner is relaxed. This will help to stimulate the circulation and has a soothing effect on the nerve endings.

6 : Using a double-handed movement, press down and then gently lift the muscles to the side of the neck, rolling with the thumb,and then release. Work out from the neck across the shoulder, and then repeat across the shoulder. Performed slowly with rhythmic movements this is very relaxing and will alleviate stiffness.

THE ABDOMEN

For a pregnant woman, the weight of the uterus can constrict important blood vessels if she lies down flat on her back, so provide plenty of pillows, cushions, bolsters or rolled towels to your partner behind the back, under the neck and knees and anywhere else she needs to feel comfortable.

1 : It may seems alarming to massage the abdomen during pregnancy but, providing the strokes are light and careful, it is safe and relaxing for mother and baby. Gentle massage all over the abdominal area can be very soothing and is beneficial for relieving the stretched feeling often experienced during pregnancy. Apply oil evenly over the area to help feed the tissues and lessen the possibility of stretch marks.

2 : Using the flat of your hands, carefully glide them up from either side of the waist, lifting your hands off as they reach the navel, and then start again. Continue to stroke the area with a light, soft touch, working over the whole of the abdomen to soothe and calm.

3 : After a minute of gentle circular movements, place the fingertips of your left hand on the higher section of the solar plexus region and cover with your right hand. Rest both hands for a moment and then release to help alleviate stress.

LEGS

Make sure your partner is comfortable, with the knees supported by cushion. Begin gently stroking the leg with an effleurage from the ankle to the knee, smoothing up the shin and then glide around the calf. It can help to relieve the swelling, varicose veins or cramp which afflict many pregnant women. Do not use any heavy movements to the legs and avoid any reflexology movements to the feet, though gentle stroking around the ankles may well be appreciated.

TO FINISH

With both hands positioned at the back of the neck, apply light circular pressures to the cranium (skull) with your fingertips working in an upward direction to help release tension.

End the massage by smoothing the hair away from the neck and forehead, releasing all the negative energy. Allow your partner to rest for 15 minutes and then help her to get up very gently.

THE MASSAGE STEP - BY - STEP ( AROMATHERAPY )

Following your assessment, select the oils you are going to use and blend 10 - 15 drops of your chosen oils with four tablespoons of base oil. The massage starts with your partner lying face down, with the back uncovered and rest of the body covered with a towel or light blanket.

ESTABLISHING CONTACT
Take a few moments to create a bond of communication with your partner and to prepare yourself for the massage. Focus or "create" yourself by becoming aware of your whole body and its role in giving the massage, and letting go of outside concerns to concentrate on the task in hand.

CATIONS
Aromatherapy is an holistic therapy in that it works on the person as a whole. Though it is an excellent way of treating minor ailments, stress and negative emotional states, it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. If symptoms persist, always consult a medical doctor.
Never attempt to treat the following conditions:
* Cancer
* Progressive neural disorders
* Heart conditions
* Advance asthmatic conditions
* Post - operative states
* Severe varicose veins
* Very high blood pressure
* Epilepsy

With your partner face down, rest one hand lightly at the base of the neck ( the occipital bone ) and place your other hand on the lower back ( the sacral area ). Hold the position for a count of 20, while you focus on your breathing and clear your mind. This is carried out with dry hands.

THE LEG

EFFLEURAGE ( SMOOTHING STROKE )
This is a smooth, sliding movement which soothes the skin and distributes the oil. Always worked in the direction of the heart, effleurage improves circulation, lymph flow and the function of the muscles. It is used between movements throughout the massage to provide continuity and to prepare a new area with oil.

1 Seated to the side of your partner, begin with one hand at the heel, brushing in and upward, sweeping movement to the buttock ridge and sliding round to the thigh.

2 As the first hand comes round the thigh, place the other hand at the heel and brush with an upward sweep, ending at the back of the knee.

3 As the second hand comes off, cross the first hand over and begin the movement again from the heel up to the thigh.

Repeat the sequence about six or seven times, keeping the movements continues and flowing, and then repeat on the other leg.

ANKLE THUMBING
The ankles are an important center of energy, and this movement helps to relieve congestion.

1 Sitting at your partner's feet, cradle one ankle gently with your hands, allowing the thumbs sit naturally above the heel.

2 Keeping the rest of the hand still, apply a light pressure with the thumb as it brushes in an upward and downward movement.

3 Repeat with alternative thumbs, continuing in a rhythmic sequence for about 30 seconds.

FLUSHING
Flushing drains the lymph channels and stimulates the circulation. This movement should not be used on anyone with severe varicose veins.

1 Sitting at your partner's feet, gently slide the thumbs up the middle of the leg, ending at the back of the knee.

2 Slowly bring the hands back down to the ankles by brushing down the sides of the calf muscle, taking care not to drag.

Repeat the movement five or six times.

KNEADING
Move back round to the side of the leg for this movement. It us particularly effective for relieving tension at the back of the legs.

1 Place the hands gently on the calf, one at the top and one just above the ankle.

2 Grasp the calf muscle firmly with both hands and slide them toward the center of the calf, lifting the muscle.

3 Using gentle pressure, knead the area by bringing the fingers and thumbs together and raising the muscle further.

Continue kneading for about 30 seconds.

WRINGING

1 Place the hands on opposite sides of the calf, just above the ankle. Gently glide the hands past each other so the heel of one hand is pushing away from you while the other hand is pulling.

2 Keep the thumb of the pulling hand raised so the thumbs don't collide as they pass each other each time.

3 The hands alternate the pushing and pulling as you work all the way up the calf and down again. The pressure should be firm but gentle.

Clear these movements by flushing through again from ankle to back of the knee.

THUMBING THE KNEE
This is the same action as the thumbing performed at the ankle base. It is helpful for people who suffer from cold feet as it stimulates the circulation.

1 Cup the hands gently around the knee, allowing the thumbs to sit naturally on the fleshy part at the back of the knee.

2 With the same thumbing movement used on the ankles, brush one thumb upward and outward, covering the full width of the knee, and follow immediately with the opposite thumb.

FLUSHING
Flush through with the thumbs together from the back of the knee to the top of the thigh.

WRINGING
Wring the leg from the knee to the top of the thigh with the same action as used on the lower leg.

THIGH PUSH
This knuckling movement is very effective for breaking down cellulite, helping to disperse the fatty tissue and improve the circulation.

1 With the supporting hand wrapped around the wrist of the working hand for stability, place the clenched fist on the side of the thigh, just above the knee.

2 Drag the fist slowly up to the side of the thigh toward the hip bone. This is not a heavy action - all you need is gentle pressure.

Repeat five or six times, working slightly different parts of the thigh each time.
Finish the leg massage by reparation all the steps on the other leg.

Cover the legs with towels before proceeding to the next stage. An extra blanket or hot water bottle at the feet might also be appreciated.

BACK MASSAGE
The back carries a lot of strain and these relaxing movements are often the most appreciated part of the massage. Don't be tempted to use too much pressure: it is better to keep the strokes broad and flowing.

Seated to the side of your partner, apply oil evenly over the back with smooth upward strokes, following the direction of the lymph flow.

FIGURE - OF - EIGHT
This sequence loosen the tissue all over the back and helps to stimulate blood and lymph flow, and relieve tension.
You should be kneeling level with the buttocks, facing the heads to that you can lean into movement and reach the shoulders without straining.

1 To begin this large sweeping movement, place both hands on the lower back, just above the base of the spine, fingers pointing toward the head.

2 Slide both hands all the way up the sides of the spine to just below the base of the neck.

3 Move the hands out around the shoulders and in toward each other across the upper back.

4 As the hands pass each other, cross the right arm over the left and continue gliding.

5 With arms still crossed, reach down around the waist.

6 Pull the flesh up firmly around the waist and then release the sides as the palms glide to the middle of the lower back and pass each other.

7 Continue the movement by sliding the palms out around the hips and complete the figure - of - eight by returning the hands to the starting position.

Repeat six times, always keeping the movements broad and flowing.

FANNING
This action works on the nerves along the spine and helps to disperse the fluid that accumulates in the back tissue as a result of tension. The effect is wonderfully relaxing.

1 Place one hand on the lower back, at the base of the spine. The fingers should be splayed open, with the index finger pointing to the side of the spine.

2 Fan the hand round in an upward and outward motion away from the spine. The other hand follows on the same side as the first completes the movement. Work all the way up the side of the spine, alternating hands.

Repeat the steps four or five times before moving round to work on the other side of the spine.

BUTTERFLY SHOULDERS
Before being given an aromatherapy massage, always wash off any anti - perspirant or deodorant. This is particularly important for this movement as it drains the lymph towards the major lymph glands in the armpits - the axillary glands. This movement relaxes the shoulder and disperses tension.

1 Place one hand at the bottom of the shoulder blade ( scapula ) with fingers splayed and the second hand poised to follow the same side.

2 Brush the hand up and out in a smooth fanning movement. Follow with the second hand, work all round the shoulder blade and out over the shoulder, toward the armpit.

Repeat the whole movement four times, then work on the shoulder.

FORARM SWEEP
Kneeling at the side of your partner, turn the hand away from you.

1 Place your forearm alongside the spine with your elbow just above the buttocks. Clasp the working hand with your other hand for support and stability.

2 Using the flat bone of the forearm ( the ulna ), slide all the way up the side of the spine to the top of the shoulder ridge.

Lift the arm off gently and repeat twice from the beginning .
Then turn your partner's head and work on the other side of the spine, using the opposite forearm.

DRAINING
Sit to the side of your partner, facing across the back.

1 With hands together and palms raised, place the fingertips at the side of the spine, just above the coccyx ( tail bone ).

2 Keeping the fingers together, pull them toward you down the side of the back.

Repeat the movement all the way up the spine, ending at the base of the neck so the final movement pulls across the shoulders toward the glands in the armpit.

Repeat with the other side of the spine. You can work the opposite side without changing your position by reaching across and brushing away from the spine, or you can move around your partner and repeat as above, if it feels more comfortable.

KNEADING THE NECK
This gentle petrissage movement releases tension and helps disperse the fatty deposits that can build up in this sensitive area.

Your partner should rest facing down with forehead on hands so that you can work your fingers into the base of the neck. Smooth the hair from the neck.

Resting one hand gently on the back of the head, use the other hand to pull up and knead the muscles in the base of the neck ( the occipital ), rolling the muscle between the thumb and the other fingers.

FRONTAL MASSAGE
Help your partner to turn over onto their back, and ensure he or she is comfortable. Provide cushion or rolled towels for any parts that need support, such as behind the legs or neck. Cover the body up to the neck with a towel or blanket to keep your partner warm.

SPINAL STRETCH
This movement is not suitable for people suffering from severe back problems, though it helps relieve minor aches and stiffness.

1 Seated at your partner's head, place the hands to the sides of the neck, palms up, with the middle fingers lifted, to prepare for the movement.

2 Slide the hands underneath the back, just between the shoulder blades so the middle fingers are pressing on either side of the spine.

3 Gently lift the torso so the rib cage rises, maintaining the pressure from the middle fingers.

4 slowly pull your fingers up the sides of the spine. When you reach the top of the neck, hold for a count of two and then release. Repeat three times in all.

5 Finish the movement by cradling the head gently with both hands.

FACE
This treatment is a great boost to the circulation, and the complexion will improve with each treatment.

Seated at the head, prepare the face for the massage with a simple refreshing cleanser, using upward and outward strokes. Apply a small amount of facial oil to the face and neck with flowing movements.
TAKE CARE
Even when diluted, essential oils are extremely potent so work carefully around the eye area. If the oil accidentally makes contact with the eye, apply a few drops of pure sweet almond oil to dissipate it. Never wash the eyes with water.

FOREHEAD STROKE

1 Rest your thumbs on the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows, with the palms supporting the sides of the head. The stroke should be kept light and sensitive as the facial skin is very delicate.

2 Slowly draw the thumbs out toward the temples and down to the sides of the ears. Repeat the stroke several times, moving the starting position up a little each time until you reach the hairline.

DRAINING THE CHEEKS
This sequence of raking movements stimulates the lymphatic flow in the face, improving the complexion, clearing the sinuses and releasing tension.

1 Place the index fingers on either side of the nostrils and hold for a count of five.

2 Slide the fingers out and down to the ears. Lift the fingers and replace by the nostril. Sweep in a slightly narrower curve to reach the jawbone just below the ears.

3 Repeat with successively smaller curves, ending by tracing the laughter lines around the mouth, downward to the sides of the chin.

CHIN MASSAGE
This not only tones the jawline, but also stimulates the energy points that govern the stomach and small intestine.

1 Place the thumbs on the chin, allowing the rest of the fingers to cradle the jaw.

2 Brush alternate thumbs down and outward, with a light stroke. Repeat the movement six or seven times with each thumb.

NECK SWEEP
This is an extremely soothing stroke which improves the tone of the muscles as well as flushing the neck.

1, 2 Above and right: Apply a little facial oil to the neck, upper chest and shoulder areas using the flat of the hand. Gently brush down with the hand from the side of the ear out to the shoulder, using a broad sweeping stroke to cover the area.

3 Repeat the movement working round the front of the neck, down from the chin to the top of the chest, and then sweep from the other ear to the shoulder.

The sequence of sweeps round the whole neck should be repeated three times.

FANNING THE SHOULDERS

1 With fingers spread, brush with the flat of the hand across from the breastbone and out over the shoulders.

2 The second hand follows closely behind the first, so they are draining simultaneously toward the armpit.

Repeat twice before moving onto the other shoulder.

STOMACH AREA ( ABDOMEN )

1 Left: Apply a little oil evenly over the stomach. Place the palm of a hand on the center of the abdomen.

2 work the area with tender circular movements, always in a clockwise direction.

Repeat with the other palm. This movement aids digestion.

RIB - CAGE SWEEP
This movement helps to cleanse the stomach and spleen by pushing the lymph away from these areas.

1 Starting with the outer edge of the hand placed at the center of the rib - cage, sweep away from you, following the line of the ribs with a long sweeping movement out to the waist.

2 As the first hand finishes the movement, the other hand follows on the same side.

Repeat the movement with both hands six or seven times and then move around the body to work the other side of the rib - cage.

WAIST PULL

1 Reach across your partner, placing a firm grip round the waist with one hand. Reinforce your grip by placing your other hand on the top of the first hand.

2 Lift the waist by pulling your partner's body weight toward you, then gently release while sliding the hands around the hipbone. This cleanses the liver and gall bladder.

3 Complete the movement by sliding the hands across and around the pelvis, draining toward the major glands in the groin. Be careful not to dig with fingers as this is an extremely tender area. Keep the pressure light and even over the whole hand. This is particularly beneficial for women who suffer from menstrual problems.

Repeat five or six times before moving round to the other side of the body.

FRONT OF LEGS

EFFLEURAGE
Apply oil to both legs using an effleurage movement working up from the ankles, as used on the back of the legs.

Repeat the effleurage strokes sequence several times to ensure an even distribution of oil.

LEG STRETCH
Supporting the leg at the ankle and behind the knee, bend the leg up and place it in line with the shoulder.
Clasp the hands around the back of the knee. Ask your partner to inhale deeply, then pull the calf muscle toward you.
Hold for a slow count of three. As your partner breathes out , release the pull on the calf.

Repeat the whole movement three times, then gently lay the leg down and repeat the stretch on the other leg.

ARMS AND HANDS
EFFLEURAGE

1 Seated to the side of your partner, move the arm slightly away from the body. Apply the oil by sweeping from just above the wrist, up to the shoulder and round.

2 As the first hand comes off the arm, the other hand starts at the wrist and sweeps upward to the glad sited in the elbow joint.

3 The first arm crosses the second as it reaches the elbow and again sweeps from wrist to shoulder.

Repeat six or seven times.

HAND MASSAGE

1 Resting your partner's hand palm down over your own palm, use small brushing movements with your thumbs to work upward between the joints of the fingers toward the wrist.

2 Pull back to the fingers, gently massaging the joints between your thumb and forefinger as you draw towards the tips. Finish with a slight pull to the finger to stretch it out.

3 Repeat with each finger finishing with the thumb.

Now repeat the movements on the other arm and hand.

To finish the massage, cover your partner to neck, check he or she is warm and comfortable, and leave the rest for a minimum of five minutes ( up to 15 minutes is preferable ). Upon returning, help your partner to sit up carefully and offer a glass of water.